NHS campaign to help people stay well this winter

As winter approaches, people across Bradford, Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven are being urged to stay well by getting the right treatment.

By choosing the right service, patients will get the best treatment in the shortest possible time, while keeping emergency health services available for emergencies and life-threatening conditions.

Traditionally, winter months see an increase in bugs and viruses. Self-care is the best choice to treat minor injuries and illnesses such as coughs, colds, sore throats and upset stomachs.

Many minor illnesses can be treated with over-the-counter remedies available from a community pharmacy, and pharmacies can also provide advice on a range of minor ailments including bugs and viruses, tummy troubles and much more. Your local pharmacy should be the first point of contact for any minor illnesses.

Many pharmacies in the district also offer the Pharmacy First service which gives people quick access to a pharmacist who can give advice and support and, where needed, can also supply medicines without the need for a doctor’s appointment. Look out for the Pharmacy First sign at your local pharmacy.

In addition to face-to-face GP appointments, patients registered at many practices can now book a telephone consultation with their GP. Ask your practice for more details.

For patients wanting to find information online, the NHS Choices website is available 24/7: www.nhs.uk and offers up to date and expert advice on a range of illnesses, as well details of local health services. For patients wanting advice and signposting, the NHS 111 (dial 111) service is a free helpline, available 24/7 for patients needing medical help fast when it is not a life-threatening situation.

Dr Aamer Khan, clinical specialty lead for urgent care at NHS Bradford City Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said: “It is important that local people know where to go if they are unwell, so that they can receive the best possible treatment in the quickest time for their condition.

"There are so many alternatives to A&E: self-care; pharmacies; online and telephone help. Using A&E appropriately means that it is available for those that really need it, which ultimately saves lives, so please think about the best service for your treatment next time you are unwell.”

Winter conditions can be seriously bad for people’s health, especially for people aged 65 or older, and people with long-term conditions. The cold and damp weather, ice, snow and high winds can all aggravate any existing health problems and make us more vulnerable to illnesses that are more common in winter.

Being cold can raise the risk of increased blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes. But there are lots of things people can do to stay well this winter.

Dr Colin Renwick, clinical chair at NHS Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven CCG, said: “It’s essential to look out for elderly relatives and neighbours who could be at risk over any cold snaps too. Please make sure you, or vulnerable people you know, have enough food and medicines in stock, and are able to keep yourselves warm.

“If you have respiratory or heart conditions like COPD, asthma or emphysema and are concerned about how to keep well in the cold weather, then speak to your nurse or GP.”

There are many different ways that people can help themselves to get the right treatment and allow busy NHS services to help the people who need them most.

The options are:

self-care: look after yourself at home with a well-stocked medicine cabinet

pharmacist (chemist): for expert advice on common illnesses and the best medicines to treat them

GP (doctor): for illnesses that just won’t go away, arrange to see your doctor

call 111: if you need urgent healthcare, contact NHS 111 which will help you access the local service that can help you best

NHS Choices:www.nhs.uk is the UK’s biggest health website, containing a range of information to help you look after yourself and your family